Project Profile

Over three years, YouthLink will engage 120 teens in informal, IT-intensive educational experiences that promote IT skills identified by national NETS standards and develop student interest in IT-intensive study and careers. Historically underrepresented populations – low-income students, students of color, girls, disabled, teen parents, and second language learners – are recruited through established partnerships with San Francisco’s educational and non-profit organizations. Outreach, engagement and retention strategies are targeted to the specific needs of these populations, and include paid participation and a unique focus on self-expression through digital media technologies for web, video, and audio. Total contact hours during the twelve-month period are 240 hours, including 60 hours in IT field internships.